Ken Burke, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller has announced that numerous couples will be joined together for one group wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14, in the romantic Wedding Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo.

This is the eighth year the Clerk’s Office is hosting this event, which has become a county tradition. Up to 50 couples are expected to participate.

As part of the ceremony, the couples will be treated to a poem written by Myriam Irizarry, Chief Deputy Director of the Clerk’s Office, musical serenades by the Charmonizers Barbershop Quartet and a solo performed by George Morrison, retired deputy clerk. The couples and their guests will share wedding cake and refreshments provided by local sponsors.

“The Florida Botanical Gardens provides the perfect setting for this very special day for the couples,” said Burke.

The Clerk has waived the normal $30 fee to perform the marriage. Standard marriage license fees will still apply. To participate, couples must sign up at one of the designated Pinellas County Clerk’s Offices by Friday, Jan. 31.

The number of couples may be limited due to space. To be eligible to register to participate, application for a marriage license must be made between Dec. 17 and Feb. 11.

The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in the Wedding Garden at Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road. Couples will receive a special, Commemorative Marriage Certificate, which will be mailed within one week from the date of the ceremony with the official Certificate of Marriage. All couples should arrive at the Botanical Gardens by 1 p.m. on the day of the event with their marriage license and identification.

For more information regarding the process and locations to apply for a marriage license, contact Recording Services at 464-3008, or visit www.m­ypine­llasc­lerk.­org . For more information about the Wedding Garden and/or the Florida Botanical Gardens visit www.f­lbg.o­rg.